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Description
One of the main goals mentioned in the statutes and development concept of the Latvian Society of the Blind (LSB) is to represent the interests of people with visual impairments and to ensure integration into society, including ensuring access to information. It is just as important for the association to receive feedback - to understand the thoughts and opinions of the members, as well as to promote the involvement of the members of the association in decision-making processes and to educate them on various topics in order to broaden their horizons. Therefore, in order to achieve these goals, a two-way communication tool system - the Daisy (the Digital Accessible Information System) will be introduced within the framework of this funding, through which information would be both received and sent between the members and the association itself. The development of this system would make it easier for people with visual impairments to obtain information. Through this system, it would be possible to ensure the delivery of various types of information to the devices, including various magazines, newspapers, books, as well as information from various institutions that will have concluded an agreement with the LSB on cooperation. Also, the LNL will be able to effectively deliver information to its clients that would be up-to-date, including various job offers, assistance, decision-making process offers, current human rights
issues, etc. In addition, effective feedback on the submitted content would be provided, so that the association would be able to represent the views of members in various meetings, gatherings, discussions, thus influencing decisions and legislation in the country.
Summary of project results
Latvijas Neredzīgo biedrība (Latvian Association of the Blind) advocates for the rights and integration of people with visual impairments into society. Its activities focus on improving accessibility, supporting employment and education, and influencing relevant legislation. The organization provides education, raises public awareness, offers consultancy services, and collaborates with government bodies and other NGOs to promote inclusion and accessibility for people with visual disabilities. The main challenges in its work to be solved with the help of ACF support are listed below:
- The need for improved integration of people with visual disabilities into society and decision-making processes was identified.
- Advocacy for legal changes in areas such as accessibility, employment, and education for people with visual disabilities was a key goal.
- Enhancement of communication channels was necessary to better inform the visually impaired community about rights, issues, and opportunities for participation.
- The creation of accessible tools for knowledge sharing, such as DAISY format devices, was identified to improve information delivery and educational opportunities.
- Establishing stronger feedback mechanisms was required to involve members in decision-making processes and gather their opinions and suggestions effectively.
- Collaboration with other organizations and institutions, such as libraries and government bodies, was essential for broadening access to information and services for visually impaired individuals.
- Improvement in fast communication and feedback loops was needed to ensure timely response to the evolving needs of the community.
- The development of an effective system for disseminating information and receiving feedback was crucial for supporting the integration of people with visual disabilities into the workforce and society.
- Securing financial resources was necessary for the successful creation of a communication system and software, which would provide both informational and cultural content to visually impaired people in accessible formats.
Congress and organisational development concept for 2023-2027
The 22nd Congress, with 46 members and 6 guests, focused on integration and collaboration for people with visual impairments, resulting in a development concept to guide the organization’s goals from 2023 to 2027.Territorial network & regional engagement
The organization maintained 11 regional branches to facilitate communication with local members and engage them in key issues. These branches served as platforms for involving people with visual impairments in decision-making and local community activities.Rehabilitation services: empowering 500 clients
500 individuals received rehabilitation, acquiring skills for community participation and learning to use accessible communication tools. Workshops in various crafts were also offered to encourage social integration and economic activity.Youth association: awareness through media and events
The Youth Association, with 30 active members, produced a podcast discussing integration issues and participated in public events, including the "Lampa" Festival, to raise awareness about the challenges faced by young people with visual impairments.NGO collaboration & advocacy
The organization partnered with various groups to advocate for the rights of people with visual impairments, influencing EU fund allocation for disability-related projects and working on accessibility and local community development.Public awareness campaigns: media and conferences
Through initiatives like the "Rosme" magazine (with over 270 subscribers), the organization spread awareness about issues, events, and legislative changes. They also organized conferences on education and digital accessibility to improve conditions for people with visual impairments.Cultural and civic engagement: Strazdmuiža Day Centre
The Strazdmuiža Day Centre hosted cultural and educational events, involving 90 participants and raising awareness about the rights of people with visual impairments. It also facilitated 19 public performances, showcasing integration through cultural expression.Volunteer initiatives: supporting activities and fundraising
11 volunteers supported the organization by assisting with masterclasses, creating accessible materials, and helping at events. Volunteers also played a key role in fundraising efforts, e.g., by organising a fund-raising campaign for club renovations and engaging in community cleanup.Election participation & accessible voting
The organization ensured people with visual impairments could fully participate in elections by providing accessible voting materials, enhancing their involvement in democratic processes.Legal advocacy & legislative improvements
The organization actively worked on legal advocacy, contributing to improvements in legislation, including the EU Accessibility Directive, housing accessibility, and disability laws. Over 130 individuals participated in discussions on these changes, benefiting people with visual impairments.Surveys & rights awareness
A survey on human rights involvement reached 150 participants, raising awareness about the rights of people with visual impairments and how the organization can assist them in navigating human rights issues.Digitalization and accessible information
LNB collaborated with the IR magazine to digitalize content for people with visual impairments, allowing them to access and analyze information, engage in societal processes, and strengthen their civic participation.Public awareness on rights
A survey called "Know Your Rights – Express Your Needs" was conducted to raise awareness about the rights of people with disabilities and identify how LNB can better assist them.Support resources
LNB published a booklet to inform people with visual impairments about available support, assistive technology, and resources, helping them integrate into society.Cultural participation
LNB promoted equal rights for all, showing that people with visual impairments can participate in cultural and public life. It educated society about the accommodations that allow full participation."Rosme" magazine
The Rosme magazine, available in print, Braille, and audio formats, kept members informed about current events, legislation, and activities. It encouraged participation and feedback from readers.Webbox and digital access
The Webbox3 multimedia player was developed to make content more accessible, including collaboration with Cits Medijs to digitize magazines for easier access. This initiative increased participation in LNB’s events and resources.Public awareness campaign
On White Cane Day (October 15, 2023), LNB held a flash campaign to highlight the need for accessible infrastructure. The campaign gave the public the chance to experience navigating the city with a white cane, with media coverage.Website and media collaboration
LNB’s accessible website provided information on services, events, and projects, converting articles to audio formats for visually impaired users. The site ensured continuous engagement and outreach.
The organization has made significant contributions to strengthening democracy, civic participation, and human rights for people with visual impairments through various initiatives. Key impacts include:
Enhanced civic engagement: The organization’s efforts in promoting accessible voting and providing people with visual impairments the tools to participate fully in democratic processes directly support democratic inclusion. Accessible voting materials ensured that individuals could engage in elections, strengthening their civic rights.
Raising awareness and advocacy for rights: Through public campaigns, surveys, and collaborations with other NGOs, the organization raised awareness about the rights of people with visual impairments. Their legal advocacy efforts contributed to improvements in disability legislation, including housing accessibility and the EU Accessibility Directive, ensuring better conditions for the target group.
Cultural and public life integration: By organizing cultural events and facilitating the participation of visually impaired individuals in public life, the organization helped promote the idea that all citizens, regardless of disability, should have equal access to cultural and social opportunities. This helps foster inclusion and a democratic culture where everyone''s participation is valued.
Support for human rights education: The creation of resources such as booklets on available support, assistive technology, and rights information provided vital tools for people with visual impairments to understand and exercise their human rights. Surveys and educational initiatives also contributed to a deeper understanding of human rights among the target group.
Empowering through technology and information: Digital tools, such as the Webbox3 player and the digitalization of media, ensured that people with visual impairments had access to vital information, helping them stay informed, engage in societal discussions, and actively contribute to the decision-making processes. The collaboration with the IR magazine and other media outlets expanded access to information and encouraged civic participation.
Strengthening social integration: Through rehabilitation services, workshops, and public performances, the organization fostered greater social integration and encouraged individuals to actively participate in their communities. These initiatives helped build a culture of inclusivity, where people with visual impairments are seen as valuable, active citizens.
Overall, these activities strengthened democracy by ensuring that people with visual impairments had equal opportunities to participate in civic and cultural life, access their rights, and engage in society’s democratic processes.